Brigitte Bardot: A Trailblazer of Sexual Liberation
Brigitte Bardot, who has died at the age of 91, transformed cinema’s traditional 1950s depiction of women—coming to symbolize a new era of sexual freedom. On screen, she embodied a French blend of kittenish charm and continental allure. One publication dubbed her “the princess of pout and the countess of come hither,” yet she later grew to despise this image.
“the princess of pout and the countess of come hither”
Ruthlessly promoted as a hedonistic sex symbol, Bardot struggled to realize her aspiration as a serious actress. Eventually, she stepped away from her career to champion animal rights. Years later, her reputation faced scrutiny when she made homophobic remarks and was fined for inciting racial hatred. Her son also filed a lawsuit against her for emotional harm after she stated she would have preferred to “give birth to a little dog.”
It was a blemish on the legacy of an icon who, at her peak, redefined the bikini, female desire, and French cinema. Brigitte Anne-Marie Bardot was born in Paris on 28 September 1934. She and her sister, Marie-Jeanne, grew up in a lavish apartment in the city’s most affluent district. Their Catholic parents, affluent and devout, expected strict adherence to their values from their children.
Early Life and Formative Years
The girls’ friendships were tightly monitored. When they shattered their parent’s favorite vase, they were whipped as punishment. During World War II, with German troops occupying Paris, Bardot spent much of her time at home, dancing to records. Her mother nurtured her interest and enrolled her in ballet classes at age seven.
Her instructor at the Paris Conservatoire praised her as a standout student, and she earned accolades. Yet, Bardot found her early life stifling. At 15, she recalled, “I was seeking something, perhaps a fulfilment of myself.” A family friend encouraged her to model for the cover of Elle, France’s leading women’s magazine, and the photographs sparked a cultural phenomenon.
The Rise to Fame and Hollywood Debut
At the time, stylish women had short hair, coordinated accessories, and wore tailored jackets and elegant evening gowns. Bardot’s flowing locks and athletic physique, reminiscent of a ballerina, set her apart from her peers. Her striking images in a series of youthful, modern outfits became the epitome of a new “jeune fille” (young girl) aesthetic. By 16, she was the most renowned cover girl in Paris.
Her photographs caught the eye of film director Marc Allegret, who sent his assistant Roger Vadim to find her. Though initial screen tests were lackluster, Vadim, six years her senior, took her under his wing as a protégé and later as his fiancée. Their intense relationship was tested when her parents discovered their affair, threatening to send her to England. In response, Bardot attempted suicide but was saved in time.
“He looked at me, scared me, attracted me, and I didn’t know where I was anymo”
